Book Recommendation - Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Here are ten takeaways that Thomas Buck (Principal of MIG), found to be most helpful.

• Changes that seem insignificant at first will compound if you are willing to stick with them.

  1. Outcomes are a lagging measure of our habits.

  2. Focus on systems rather than goals. “The score takes care of itself” if good systems are in place.

  3. Create a system for reflection and review.

  4. “Implementation intention” is a plan about when and where to perform certain habits.

  5. If you are willing to wait for rewards, you will face less competition, and often get a bigger payoff. As the saying goes, "the last mile is always the least crowded."

  6. A habit needs to be established before it can be improved ("standardized before it can be optimized").

  7. Habit tracking is an effective method of measuring personal goals. Research shows that people who track habits are more likely to maintain them.

  8. If you can make good habits convenient, the more likely you will be to follow through with them (e.g. exercising at home).

  9. Create identity-based habits (e.g. “I am a runner”). Behavior that is incongruent with one's identity will not last.